Most people assume fitness is all about losing weight, but that’s not the full picture. Many of us want to build muscle after 40, get stronger, and fill out our clothes with confidence—especially as we get older.
That’s exactly what happened with Joel.
Why Building Muscle After 40 Requires a Smarter Approach
When Joel first came to RipGen, he was stuck. Like a lot of guys, he had been following the same “bro-split” workout routine for over 15 years. He wasn’t slacking—he was in the gym consistently. But his progress? Stalled.
He wanted to lose a little fat, feel better, and see real results from his training.
The problem? Commitment wasn’t his issue—his plan was.
Why “Working Hard” Isn’t Enough to Build Muscle After 40
Most people assume that if they just train harder, they’ll see results. But here’s the truth:
🔹 After 40, your body changes. Muscle growth and recovery aren’t as fast as they were in your 20s, so your plan needs to be more intentional.
🔹 Your workouts need to evolve. If you’re still doing the same routine you did a decade ago, you’re missing out on more effective strategies for muscle growth and strength.
🔹 Nutrition and recovery matter more than ever. At this stage, managing protein intake, sleep, and stress is just as important as lifting heavy.
Joel was putting in the effort—but his approach wasn’t built for progress.
The Fix: A Smarter Training Plan for Muscle Growth
We started Joel off with quick wins to get his body responding again:
✔ Dropped 2% body fat
✔ Improved mental clarity and energy
✔ Managed stress better
Once his foundation was set, we shifted gears—focusing on building muscle, gaining strength, and making sure his training supported his lifestyle.
What 1 Year of Smart Training Did for Joel
After one year of following a plan designed for progress, here’s what changed:
💪 +8 lbs of muscle
💪 +40 lbs on his bench press
💪 +50 lbs on his squat
💪 +100 lbs on his deadlift
💪 Went from a loose Medium → tight “Shmedium” → well-fitted Large
And the best part?
“I didn’t recognize him from his Facebook profile,” a friend told him after not seeing him for six months.
That’s what happens when you train smarter, not just harder.
How to Build Muscle After 40—What You Need to Know
If you’ve been training but aren’t seeing real changes, ask yourself:
✔ Is my plan designed for muscle growth at this stage of life?
✔ Am I still doing the same workouts I’ve always done?
✔ Is my training aligned with my recovery, nutrition, and daily demands?
Joel didn’t need more motivation—he needed a better strategy. And once he had the right plan, his results finally matched his effort.
If you’re struggling to build muscle after 40, the same might be true for you.
The Bottom Line
If you’re ready to build muscle, get stronger, and feel better, we can help.
Click HERE to schedule a quick chat with one of our coaches. We’ll help you put together a simple, effective plan designed to work for you—right now.
Live Healthy, Live Inspired.
-Coach Bob
